GABA regulates metabolic reprogramming to mediate the development of brain metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Brain metastasis (BrM) poses a significant challenge to the prognosis and quality of life for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), has been implicated in the progression of various tumors. However, its potential role in BrM of NSCLC and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored.

Methods: A multi-omics approach combined with in vivo and in vitro experiments identified GABA as a key target in BrM of NSCLC. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted to investigate how GABA mediates brain metastasis through the activation of the NF-κB pathway.

Results: GABA levels were significantly elevated in both cells and serum of patients with NSCLC who had BrM. GABA markedly enhanced the brain metastatic capabilities and malignancy of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, tumor cells with a tendency for brain metastasis can inhibit 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) by downregulating forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) expression, leading to increased GABA accumulation. GABA subsequently activates the NF-κB pathway and the astrocytes, thus facilitating the brain metastasis of NSCLC.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that GABA plays a crucial role in the development of NSCLC brain metastasis by activating the NF-κB pathway through the FOXA2/ABAT/GABA axis. Additionally, the interaction between NSCLC and astrocytes creates an inhibitory microenvironment that promotes tumor colonization.